The team from the North West University (NWU-Pukke) completed a remarkable comeback after their defeat of 52-48 against UP-Tuks, when they claimed a strong victory over VUT with a score of 93-14.
According to Dorette Badenhorst, head coach of the NWU-Pukke, they made basic mistakes against UP-Tuks and couldn’t find their rhythm which lead to a defeat.
“Personally I think we had a very poor match against UP-Tuks, but rather now than in the semi-finals or final. We made basic mistakes and could not find our rhythm. UP-Tuks played well and made the minimum mistakes,” said Badenhorst.
“Against VUT I gave an opportunity to some of my players who didn’t have much time on the court against UP-Tuks, to provide a chance whereby they can prove themselves. We didn’t aim for a big score as we have focused on our team’s goals and combinations,” added Badenhorst.
With the NWU-Pukke side still remaining second on the log they will face the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (Madibaz) this coming Monday and Thursday.
In last year’s Varsity Netball tournament, the NWU-Pukke team claimed two victories over UCT and the Madibaz with convincing scores of 65-32 and 69-37 respectively.
The NWU-Pukke side will face UCT and Madibaz without the likes of Stoltz, Burger and Dreyer.
“I feel very positive with regards to the matches against UCT and the Madibaz, I will give the rest of my group of 18 players a chance against UCT and will also play Madibaz without Renske, Sigi and Romé,” said Badenhorst.
“It is important for a team to have depth, but is doesn’t help if you have depth but don’t give them an opportunity to play. I am feeling very positive about all my 18 players because I know that they work very hard and I am glad to give them an opportunity,” added Badenhorst.
When asked about how they will approach both of the upcoming matches Badenhorst made it clear that discipline, trust and a will to win will be the keys to success.
“To defeat any opponent on the day, as a team, you need good discipline with trust in your team members and also a will to win,” Badenhorst concluded.
Catch the NWU-Pukke on Monday in Round Six of this year’s Varsity Netball tournament against UCT at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch at 16:00.
NWU-Pukke team: Marna Claassens, Kifiloe Tsotetsi (Fifi), Jessica du Plessis, Marike Maree, Janke Visagie, Zandri Vermeulen, Nicole Amiras, Chanté Bester ©, Jeanté Strydom, Monique Reyneke, Ischke Van der Bergh, Simone Rabie
By Raynique Meyer
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